How Aquatic Art Designs Began
From the time I was a child, I was always interested in bodies of water. Lakes, streams, oceans, etc. all fascinated me, and I wondered what could be living in each. When I was five years old, I went to SeaWorld and got excited about everything I saw. Belugas, penguins, dolphins, sharks... I liked them all!
Later, I had many different aquarium fish and would spend hours at pet stores checking out what fish were available for my tanks.
Having set aside my love for aquatic life for many years, there was one instance in which this changed. My family went to a garage sale and brought back a bag of aquatic napkin rings. I was fascinated by them. They had so much detail, and I couldn't help but think about what I could create along the same lines.
After many ideas—some good, some terrible—I was able to settle on a technique that would hopefully make the fish look suspended with the help of a shadow cast by light.
About the Artist
I grew up in California at the base of the Sierra Mountains and was always an avid fisherman and baseball fan. Fishing in particular runs deep in my family. My grandfather took me fishing, and my father and I spent countless hours on the rivers and lakes of the Sierra Mountains. I would also go fishing with my brother and good friend, hoping to reel in a big one.
Those experiences shaped my appreciation for fish. Most weekends, I was probably somewhere in the mountains trying to catch a prize trout. I currently live in San Diego, where ocean fishing has now taken priority.
I still love checking out aquariums. Living a few blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium was a treat, and I would frequently visit. When I travel to other cities, my first two thoughts are: Is there a baseball stadium or an aquarium? My most recent trip to Atlanta served as a great opportunity to finally see the whale shark.
I never set out to become an artist. I am as surprised as anyone by this endeavor. I simply followed a passion that brought together creativity, nature, and a desire to share what I see and enjoy. Aquatic Art Designs is the result of that journey.
Artistic Approach
My hand-painted art is transparent, so natural light becomes part of the artwork rather than simply illuminating it. The shadow becomes part of the artwork as well, casting a recognizable silhouette onto the surface behind it.
I try to make each fish appear to be floating or suspended rather than sitting on a traditional canvas. The combination of transparency, layered light, and shadow creates an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality.
The artwork changes with its environment. Morning or afternoon light, indoors or outdoors, and even the angle from which it is viewed can all change the way a piece is experienced. The background also influences how each piece looks and feels.
From across the room, the details soften and you see the overall form, much like a photograph. Then you get closer and realize it is hand-painted.
The artwork doesn't simply depict a fish. It creates the impression of a fish resting in space. It's not just the painting—the light, transparency, shadow, and environment all become part of the artwork.